2014 Fantasy Baseball Deep Sleepers are based on a single season outlook for the 2014 fantasy baseball season. Deep Sleepers are established for a standard fantasy baseball scoring system in mixed AL/NL leagues. Deep Sleepers are based on players who are flying under the radar to begin the 2014 season. Deep Sleepers are players to consider drafting late in your fantasy baseball draft, or simply keep an eye on to begin the 2014 season and consider picking up from the waiver wire if needed.
C — 1B — 2B — 3B — SS — OF — SP — RP — Top 10
Scooter Gennett – Mil – 2B
Taking over for the injured Rickie Weeks, Gennett excelled during his major league debut season in 2013. Always displaying an ability to hit for average during his time in the minors, Gennett exceeded all realistic expectations as he tallied an outstanding .324 batting average over 213 at bats with the Brewers during his rookie season. If the 23 year old Gennett can hold of Rickie Weeks for the starting second base spot, he could rack up 5-10 home runs, 10-15 stolen bases, and a batting average hovering around .300. Add in the possibility of Gennett hitting leadoff or second atop the Brewers lineup, and there is excellent overall value for any fantasy baseball team to get out of this young second baseman.
Mike Zunino – Sea – C
The 3rd overall pick in the 2012 MLB draft, the ultra talented Zunino will look to take over as the Mariners full time catcher in 2014. Offering plenty of offensive ability, there is potential for Zunino to breakout with 15 home runs and a batting average in the .290 plus range. It would not be surprising if Zunino finished the 2014 season as a top 10 scoring fantasy baseball catcher.
Kevin Gausman – Bal – SP
The Orioles 4th overall pick in the 2012 MLB draft, Gausman made his major league debut in 2013. Getting a taste of major league hitters, Gausman struggled during his 47 innings in the majors, but still managed to tally 49 strikeouts. With that key strikeout ability on his side, the talented 23 year old Gausman will be looking to claim a starting spot in the Orioles rotation in 2014.
Khris Davis – Mil – OF
Filling in for Ryan Braun in left field for the Brewers in 2013, Davis impressed greatly over his first 56 games in the majors, providing a punch of power and speed as he tallied 13 home runs and 6 stolen bases as a rookie. With a starting spot his for the taking, Davis has the ability to crank out 20 home runs and 10 stolen bases in 2014, which would provide excellent stat production for fantasy baseball teams late in their drafts.
James Paxton – Sea – SP
After an up and down showing at Triple A in 2013, Paxton received his major league debut with a September callup to finish out the 2013 season with the Mariners. In 4 starts with the Mariners, Paxton quickly showed that he belongs in the majors, as he tallied a excellent 1.50 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and 21 strikeouts over 24 innings pitched. As a college and minor league seasoned starting pitcher, the 25 year old Paxton will look to make a significant impact as a rookie in 2014.
Avisail Garcia – CWS – OF
After a midseason trade to the White Sox in 2013, Garcia promptly tallied an excellent .304 batting average over 161 at bats. With a batting eye that can consistently hit at a .300 level, Garcia’s developing power and sneaky speed, could have him putting up stats in the 15 home run and 15 stolen base range.
Yordano Ventura – KC – SP
Making his major league debut with the Royals in September last season, the 22 year old Ventura displayed his immense talent as a potential ace on the Royals staff. Armed with a superb fastball that can hit 100 mph, Ventura should take over a starting spot in the Royals rotation in 2014, and could easily challenge for the rookie of the year award.
Oswaldo Arcia – Min – OF
With a promising rookie debut that resulted in 14 home runs and 43 RBI over just 97 games last season, Arcia will have plenty of opportunity to claim an everyday starting job in the Twins outfield in 2014. Offering 20 plus home run potential, the 22 year old Arcia could become a key offensive weapon in the Twins lineup in 2014.
Cody Allen – Cle – RP
A key piece in the Cleveland bullpen in 2013, Allen has tallied an excellent 2.81 ERA and 115 strikeouts over 99 innings pitched during his first two major league seasons. Seen as a potential closer in the future, the 25 year old Allen will have to beat out the newly acquired John Axford, if he wants to tally saves in 2014. However, the potential and proven ability is there for Allen, which makes him an exciting deep sleeper at relief pitcher for fantasy baseball teams heading into the 2014 season.
Chris Owings – Ari – SS
Earning his major league debut with a September callup to finish out the 2013 season, Owings hit a cozy .291 batting average over 55 at bats with the Diamondbacks. Showcasing lots of power hitting ability during his time in the minors leagues, including a 2013 season that included 12 home runs, 81 RBI, 20 stolen bases, and a .330 batting average at Triple A, the 22 year old Owings will look to take over the Diamondbacks starting shortstop job in 2014. A rookie of the year award could definitely be in store for this offensive minded shortstop.
Hawk Michaels has been drafting a fantasy baseball team since the 2001 season. In an ever transient world, fantasy sports has maintained its stronghold in the lives of millions of sports fans. Here’s to winning fantasy championships in 2014!
Sources: MLB Player Statistics – www.rotowire.com
